Rwanda : Former Belgian colonialist releases book about Rwanda

A Belgian national, Julien Nyssens, who former Belgian colonial administrative leader in Rwanda has released a book about Rwanda between the period of 1948 and 1961.

The book release apparently came at the time when Rwandans celebrated a jubilee of 50 years of independence and resilience, an event held through the country on July 1, 2012.

Nyssens called his book “A pied d’oeuvre au Rwanda 1948-1961: Batwa, Bahutu, Batutsi ne sont que des prénoms, Banyarwanda est notre nom de famille” – meaning “On foot of work in Rwanda 1948-1961: Batwa, Bahutu, Batutsi are only forenames, Banyarwanda is our surname”.

The book particularly explains kind of lifestyle and social life of Rwandans especially in the village setting between the years 1948-1961. It is available in bookshops and internet

Julien Nyssens explains that he wrote the book out of his love for Rwanda where he worked and served for 13 years of his earlier life (from 1948 to 1961) and the intension is to educate the youth of Rwanda on the life and history of Rwanda in those days.

The author also says that though he doesn’t remember speaking Kinyrwanda language, he is still connected to the Rwandan people and is happy to witness Rwanda celebrate its independence 50 years and to see the steps of growth and development made in these past years.

Nyssens worked as an Administrateur de Territoire (Territorial Administrator) during colonial times. The post involved responsibilities of following up colonial activities in the countryside especially in Agriculture and social welfare and monitoring judicial activities among others.